YMCA and Municipal Alliance Name Superintendent Smith as Grand Marshal of Pennington 5K

Plans for the 40th Annual Pennington 5K race are under way. The race will take place on Saturday, May 21 just before the opening of Pennington Day. The race is expected to attract more than 300 people. Proceeds of the race will benefit both the Hopewell Valley YMCA and the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance.

Organizers of the race are pleased to announce Hopewell Valley Regional School District Superintendent Thomas Smith as the Grand Marshal for this year’s race. He joins the list of distinguished past honorees Congressman Rush Holt, Al Maghazehe, President and CEO of Capital Health and James Hyman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hopewell Valley Community Bank in officially staring the race.

“I am honored to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s Pennington 5K. The Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance and the Hopewell Valley YMCA do so much for our community and our school district, and I am proud that I can support their efforts,” said Dr. Smith

The morning events begin with registration at 8 am, a 1-mile fun run for students in grades K-8 at 8:30 am and certified 5K race/walk at 9:15 am. The course will take 5K runners and walkers through the vendors of Pennington Day and scenic streets of downtown Pennington. Participants can expect music, post-race refreshments and a race T-shirt while supplies last. Awards will be given to top male and female in nine age categories. All events take place in front of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District Administration building, 425 S. Main Street, Pennington.

Now in its 40th year, the annual Pennington 5K race is organized and sponsored by the Hopewell Valley YMCA and Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. All proceeds will benefit the two area charities. Funds raised for the YMCA support its Hopewell Valley Youth Activity Center (the “YAC”), which is celebrating five years of providing a safe and fun environment for the young teens in our community. The YMCA also provide financial assistance to needy families for YMCA childcare services, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth sports, dance classes, and our multiple Special Olympics teams.

The Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance will use funds raised by the race to continue its work in supporting and administering the over 20 programs and activities for youth and families in the Hopewell Valley community that promote positive youth development and build community.

For more information including registration, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit: www.hvymca.org or call 737-3048 or the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at 737-0120, ext. 642. The Hopewell Valley YMCA is a charitable organization dedicated to building a healthy spirit, mind, and body through programs which promote good health, strong families, youth leadership, and community development. YMCA’s are open to men, women, and children of all ages, abilities, races, and religions. Celebrating it’s 20th year, the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance’s vision is Hopewell Valley – a community united in the development of caring, confident and responsible youth.

Publisher disclaimer: The bearded guy on the left is the publisher’s husband.